Five local shows over the next two weeks

Jen Van Tieghem

Chuck Ragan and Rusty Maples at Casbah

Monday, Sept. 15 | Doors at 8:30 p.m. | $18 advanced/$20 day of show

Singer-songwriter Chuck Ragan is a man of many talents. In addition to spending over a decade with punk group Hot Water Music, his solo work has also garnered a loyal following and in 2012, he put out a book! His emotive, throaty vocals match the storytelling style of his songs, drawing the listener in. Opening the show are Las Vegas folk rockers Rusty Maples. These guys keep popping up in San Diego with beguiling tunes and energetic performances — not that I’m complaining. Check out their tune “Better in Blue” and just try to keep your toes from tapping. 

Radio Halloran presents Saint Diego, Social Club, and Viva Apollo at The Merrow

Tuesday, Sept. 16 | 9 p.m. | $5 or free with RSVP

When The Griffin closed earlier this year it left a void in the local scene and pulled the plug on 91X DJ Michael Halloran’s weekly music showcases. Thankfully, his events have found a new home at The Merrow. Retro rockers Saint Diego and pop-rock outfit Social Club should bring in lots of locals for this one. But it’s the show’s openers, Viva Apollo, who have had my attention as of late. Singer Amanda Portela’s powerhouse vocals and the band’s eclectic sound are just a couple reasons to get to this early and catch all three bands.

The Tree Ring and My Name is You at The Irenic

Wednesday, Sept. 17 | Doors at 7 p.m. | $15 

It’s not very often that an album release show and a band’s final performance occur on the same night, but The Tree Ring is also not a typical band. The ensemble’s third full-length album Ten Rivers was “inspired by weekend adventures and made to accompany yours.” A fine example of this, “Beside A River,” is laced with strings and delicate harmonies weaving a majestic soundscape. The calming beauty of the band’s sound is sure to be in focus with the intimacy of The Irenic and a rare seated show at the church-by-day/music-venue-by-night setting.

The New Kinetics, The Cardielles, and Pleasure Fix at Tin Can Alehouse

Saturday, Sept. 20 | 9 p.m. | $8

If you need a serious rock ‘n’ roll injection in your Saturday night, here’s the place to get it. The New Kinetics have been through line-up changes and a break up (albeit a brief one) and risen to the top of vintage-sounding rock groups in town. Their sounds are powerful and provocative with fronting couple Birdy Bardot and Brian Reilly sharing vocal duty. The Cardielles follow suit with fuzzy garage rock and Pleasure Fix adds a punk edge to the evening. Also check out Tin Can’s selection of craft beer from near and far — good brews go best with good tunes.

Commune Wednesdays presents James Supercave and R.A. Rosenborg at Soda Bar

Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 8:30 p.m. | Free

Commune events present an interesting mixture of live music, artisans peddling wares and an anti-big tobacco message interweaved. Organizers work to educate show-goers on the agenda of the smoking industry and how the music scene is targeted. Besides all that, the shows are free and the bands are usually fantastic. This time L.A. band James Supercave will bring their intricate sounds to the stage blending psychedelic pop with rock brimming with catchy rhythms. Local musician R.A. Rosenborg (Ed Ghost Tucker) is no stranger to trippy synth and mesmerizing beats; the performances should mesh well.

—Got a show worth talking about? Send it to [email protected].